Mardi Gras masks add creative anonymity.
Mardi Gras masks began in the 1800s when society's New Orleans elite participated in Mardi Gras events. Masking originated with carnival crews and the upper class who chose to be anonymous. Today, Fat Tuesday is the day to gather on Bourbon Street for the famous event. Friends often wear the same mask. Even dogs wear masks and costumes during the parade. Spectators throw brightly colored necklaces toward the costumes, floats and masks they like the best.
Instructions
1. Select your theme. Find your inspiration by visiting a library or bookstore for Mardi Gras books. Use the Internet to find additional photos for ideas.
2. Choose the kind of mask you want to use. Traditional Mardi Gras masks cover your eyes and the top of your nose. Some Mardi Gras fans have made masks that leave the eyes uncovered and mask the face from the top of the nose to the bottom of the neck.
3. Purchase a plain, Zoro-type mask at a costume or party store.
4. Select the colors you want for your supplies. The Mardi Gras traditional colors are gold, purple and green.
5. Purchase a variety of adornments such as sequins, feathers, flowers, fabric and beads.
6. Add a short pole to hold the mask in front of your face for a more traditional presentation. Use ribbons to cover any elastic that will hold the mask in place around the back of your head.
7. Glue the adornments onto the mask. Add the feathers to extend upward, covering your forehead. Make changes to your original design as you assemble. Flamboyance is key, so don't be afraid to go wild. You may begin with a particular design in mind and find it evolving "on its own" into something radically different.
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